Kedarnath Temple- 5th jyotirlinga among 12
The 5th Jyotirlinga refers to the Kedarnath Temple, which is located in the Rudra Himalaya range of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, India. This Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is believed to have been built during the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya. It is said that the temple was constructed on the site where Lord Shiva appeared to Pandavas after the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata.
Kedarnath Temple is built in a unique architecture with a conical lingam-shaped idol of Lord Shiva made of black stone. The temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and it can be accessed by trekking through the beautiful Himalayan trails. The temple remains open only for six months in a year, from April to November, due to extreme weather conditions during the winter season.
The pilgrimage to Kedarnath is considered to be a significant religious journey for Hindus, and it is believed that a visit to this temple can wash away one's sins and grant them salvation.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva manifested himself as a Jyotirlinga at twelve different locations to bless his devotees. Kedarnath Temple is one of these twelve Jyotirlingas and is considered to be highly revered among devotees of Lord Shiva.
The temple has a fascinating history associated with it. It is believed that the Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic built the temple. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas wanted to seek Lord Shiva's blessings to atone for their sins. Lord Shiva, who was angry with them for the war, hid in Kedarnath in the form of a bull. The Pandavas were determined to find Lord Shiva and, after a long search, found him in Kedarnath. The temple was built at the spot where Lord Shiva appeared to the Pandavas.
The temple has undergone several renovations and repairs over the centuries. The present structure was built by the Pandavas' descendants in the 8th century AD. Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher, and saint, also visited the temple and installed a brass image of Lord Shiva inside the temple.
The Kedarnath Temple is located in a beautiful and scenic location, surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The trek to the temple is considered to be challenging but highly rewarding, as devotees get to witness the natural beauty of the region while also getting closer to Lord Shiva.
The temple remains open for only six months a year, from April to November, due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions during the winter season. During this period, the temple is closed, and the idol of Lord Shiva is taken to Ukhimath for worship. The temple reopens in April, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.
In conclusion, the Kedarnath Temple, the 5th Jyotirlinga, is a significant religious site for Hindus and holds a special place in their hearts. It is a symbol of Lord Shiva's blessings and is considered to be a place of immense spiritual significance.
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